The mission of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is to foster opportunities for businesses to grow and for communities to succeed and thrive in a global economy. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for Pennsylvania citizens while assuring transparency and accountability in the expenditure of public funds.

Harrisburg, PA – Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin today named Econsult Solutions, Fairmount Capital Advisors, and McNees Wallace Nurick as the coordinator for developing and implementing a recovery plan for the Borough of Colwyn.

“This team of more than 15 professionals will bring objectivity and experience that will help the Borough of Colwyn emerge from its current financial struggles,” Davin said. “Each member of the team brings their own area of expertise to address Colwyn’s financial issues and their knowledge of a full range of municipal government issues will be a great asset to the borough.”

The interdisciplinary team has worked in other Act 47 municipalities, including Chester and Harrisburg, and is well-versed in municipal administration, finance and labor law. Econsult Solutions and Fairmount Capital Advisors have extensive experience as leaders of management and financial advisory services with experience across the country.

Under Act 47, the coordinator is responsible for working with borough officials, employees, DCED and the broader Colwyn community to develop a comprehensive recovery plan that address all areas of municipal operations. The plan will recommend improvements to Colwyn’s organizational structure, financial administration, debt situation, municipal service levels, intergovernmental cooperation and overall economic base.

Econsult Solutions, Fairmount Capital Advisors, and McNees Wallace Nurick will have 120 days from contract execution to develop and propose a recovery plan to the mayor, borough council and DCED. The recovery plan will also be subject to a public hearing and comment. Following the adoption of the recovery plan, the Coordinator will then help the borough implement the recommendations.

While DCED and the appointed Coordinator will provide oversight, elected borough officials have ultimate responsibility for the borough’s policies and day-to-day management of borough affairs.

Act 47 of 1987 directs the Commonwealth to provide oversight and develop a formal partnership with municipalities that are experiencing financial distress to ensure that taxpayers receive necessary and vital services. Pennsylvania’s oversight includes fiscal management, technical assistance, planning and financial aid, with emphasis on long-term fiscal management improvements, service delivery efficiencies, intergovernmental cooperation and economic/community development initiatives.

For more information on the resources available for local governments experiencing financial distress, or additional information on Act 47, visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.